Hawaiian Puili Bamboo Rattle Sticks - 13"

The pu'ili is a split bamboo rattle (pu - to sound, 'ili - bark or skin). A piece of bamboo some 13 inches long and one inch in diameter is split into narrow strips or strands except for a section of about five inches at one end which serves as a handle.

Bamboo is cut away to leave spaces between the strands.

The player or dancer produces a rustling sound when he or she taps the pu'ili against his, or his partner's shoulder or arm, the floor mat, or another pu'ili.

Lengths of bamboo are harvested and cut to size. They are split lengthwise with a sharp instrument leaving a natural handle at one end. The sound produced is said to mimic the rustling of the leaves and grass.